Single-line clothes-line

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to clothes lines, and more particularly to such lines which may be singly loaded. More specifically to the present invention there is provided a garment hanging device which may permit loading from the inside of the window. To this effect there are provided a pair of spools or rollers to which the hanging line is wound; one roller in the pair is mounted to a pole in the yard, while the other roller is mounted to a hanging arm which is held to swing on a bracket secured to the windowsill. The arm in question is swung into the window when hanging the garments to the line, and is swung out of it upon completion of the hanging operation. The clothes line is of an entirely new construction never before encountered. Instead of the conventional yarn or cord the new line is formed of a flat, thin, stiff ribbon-like material which at various places may be provided with serrated cut-outs, and openings of different sizes. Into these serrated cut-outs and in the openings may be hooked the clothes to be hung.

Bosco 51 Jan. 23, 1973 [54] SINGLE-LINE CLOTHES-LINE [76] Inventor: Joseph Bosco, 31 Summer Street, [57] ABSTRACT Everett, Mass. 02149 This invention relates to clothes lines, and more par- [22] Filed, Sept 23 1970 ticularly to such lines which may be singly loaded.

[21] Appl. No.: 74,752

[52] U.S. Cl ..242/l00, 211/119.1 [51] Int. Cl. ..D06f 53/02, B6511 75/34 [58] Field of Search ..242/100,100.l;-2l1/119.1,

2ll/l19.11, 119.13, 119.15

More specifically to the present invention there is provided a garment hanging device which may permit loading from the inside of the window. To this effect there are provided a pair of spools or rollers to which thehanging line is wound; one roller in the pair is mounted to a pole in the yard, while the other roller is mounted to a hanging arm which is held to swing on a bracket secured to the window-sill. The arm in question is swung into the window when hanging the [56] References-Cited garments to the line, and is swung out of it upon 7 UNITED STATES PATENTS completion of the hanging operation. The clothes line 15 of an entirely new construction never before enl,979,627 11/1934 Kozak ..21l/ll9.l countered, Instead of the conventional yarn or cord 975,811 11/1910 Walsh ..211/119.1 the new line is formed of a flat thin tiff ribbon.like 868,536 10/1907 Davidson ..2l l/l19.13 material i h at various places may b provided with 2,302,028 11/1942 Heal) 1/119-07 serrated cut-outs, and openings of different sizes. Into 2,172,907 9/1939 Humphrey ..242/1OO these serrated cutouts and in the p g y be I hooked the clothes to be hung. Primary Exammer-George F. Mautz I Assistant Examiner-Edward]. McCarthy 3 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures I v "I n M PATENIED JAN 23 1975 SHEET 1 UF 3 PAIENIEDJAH23 ms SHEET 3 BF 3 3,712,556

T 1I'IIIIIIIIIIIIIII mW mI E SINGLE-LINE CLOTHES-LINE The present invention relates to clothes line for laundry, and more particularly it relates to lines which may be singly loaded. Furthermore the present invention provides for a new mode of hanging clothes utilizing a novel type clothes cable which does not necessarily have to be formed of the conventionally wound string of rope.

More specifically the present invention provides a garment or laundry hanging device which is much less cumbersome and bulky than the standard one used by housewives today. lt is less expensive to manufacture, easy to operate, and to load, and may permit loading in the usual manner or from the inside of a window. Furthermore, there is no danger of the garments becoming entangled and damaged between lines. As in the present methods when ropes are being used, instead, in this case the hanger line could be made of several modern thin cord-like materials, or plastic materials, and by eliminating entirely the use of.

clothes-pins. This new method of hanging laundry may comprise in general a thin material of durable strength capable of withstanding outdoor use in all climes. It should be flexible yet sturdy and capable of winding with ease, and it should be so thin that when the entire clothes line is wound upon a winding roller the space occupied by the line material would be very small. in fact, a length of such novel clothes line material may be 100 to 200 feet and upon being wound on a roller may not occupy more than 3 to 4 inches in diameter.

The selected cloth line material as above described would be about 3 to 4 inches wide at the most, and could be even less. At spaced intervals of about 7 to 8 inches the flat surface of this material could be provided with elongated triangular slots or cut-outs. Also holes will be provided with horizontal elongated triangles, one of greater diameter than the other. Opposing horizontal triangles also may be arranged to be close to one another.

Furthermore. there will be provided stamped out elongated triangles at the top endof the flat clothes line. The horizontal elongated triangles in the clothes line serve as anchor points on which or through which can be either pulled the edge or the end terminal of a garment or a piece of laundry so that when pulled through the larger holes it can be in reverse pulled through the smaller holes and forced to the narrow angular space. Thus the'garment can become removably I affixed to the novel line. The top triangular cut-outs may be used either to hang a garment by its buttonholes or a buttom may be squeezed in the narrow triangular slot. It is understood that any combination of the above described method of affixing a garment may be used. In such manner the use of clothes-pins is entirely eliminated.

Relating more particularly to the. device in question forming the embodiment of the present invention, it may comprise, in combination, basically two upright rods or shafts on which may bemounted to rotate a pair of rollers; one to each shaft. The shafts by means of special mounting brackets may be permanently mounted or secured to either the window sill ofa house or dwelling or to a pole in the yard so as to permit the hanging of clothes and laundry with ease.

The flat flexible ribbon forming a part of the clothes.

line may be-wound around one of the rollers-in said pair, with its extreme end attached to said roller permanently by means of a screw or a rivet. The other free end of the flat flexible ribbon extends from the first roller outwardly and passes over a third roller which by means of a secondary mounting bracket is made fast to said pole in the yard or to an opposite building. The ribbon above referred to passing this third roller turns upon itself and comes back to its place of origin; the first mounting bracket which is attached to the window of the dwelling. There the ribbon is wound for the second time upon the second roller in said pair. The

ribbon end is fastened to the second roller by means of a pin or screw in similar fashion as above described for the first roller.

Each vertical shaft in said pair has at one end thereof a ratchet wheel. For each ratchet wheel there is a ratchet arm which is secured on the top of the bracket. The ratchet arms contact each respective ratchet wheel. in such manner the shafts are unable to turn unless the ratchet arms are released. However, even though the ratchet arms are under the influence of springs, they may be readily hinged away from their initial contact with said ratchet wheels by pushing on small detent-like handles which are provided with each ratchet arm. Furthermore, each vertical shaft also, at one end thereof, is machined square and somewhat extends beyond the vertical shaft. There is provided a winding handle which has a square opening to receive the square end of the shaft. The rotation on said handle will in turn rotate the square end of the shaft. In the event that the first shaft is rotated the roller associated with this shaft will rotate and will wind the flat ribbon clothes-line. In the event that the handle is mounted over the second vertical shaft associated with the second roller in said pair then the second roller will begin winding the flat ribbon, with the first roller unwinding. However, it is important that the rollers are not let free at either operating sequence. For instance, when the first roller winds the ribbon, the other roller unwinds, and vice-versa. Notwithstanding this fact, pressure must be applied on one or the other roller (depending which one unwinds) so that the roller does not unwind prematurely. Towards this end there is provided a spring-loaded arm which is thrown in contact with one or the other rollers to apply pressure to prevent a free ride. However, the pressure on the rollers is not great enough, so as to prevent the winding of the flat ribbon clothes-line upon either one of the rollers in question. in this fashion slippage of the rollers is prevented.

The above description covers a clothes-line which may be provided with a double-line clothes-line. However, my invention also covers the utilization of a singlc-line clothes-line. This single-line modification is, like the device above described, made of two identical winding I roller units. One placed at one end of a proposed area of use and the other on the opposite end. While one moves in one direction by pull or push the other end works in reverse. One end is usually affixed to the side of a house alongside a window. The opposite end is usually affixed to a pole in the yard. When the terminals of each unit containing the wound single line strapping are attached at their extremities the clothes when anchored to the described line will move forward or back as needed. The movement of the two units above described operates much like a tape on a taperecorder, and in fact they utilize the same principle.

At one end and the other end there are a pair of roller-like tubes with one tube being of larger diameter than the other and mounted to rotate over the tube with the smaller diameter. At one end thereof the inner tube or roller has a ratchet wheel, which the outer tube has a ratchet arm engaging the ratchet wheel. The ratchet mechanism of either unit may be engaged or disengaged depending on the need for winding the single-line strapping for the purpose of tightening it firmly and so eliminate any resulting sag, which is common with the present day clothes-lines. Once the required tighteness is achieved the single-line clothes-line is ready for use. Movement can be had forward or backward, thus utilizing the entire length of the line. While the ratchets hold the single line taut the wound line over the outer tube is engaged with the inner tube will rotate freely as a unit over the center core or the upright rod or axle.

The ratchets can, of course, be engaged or disengaged at will depending on their need. If the clothesline is placed at a reachable mans height these ratchets may be engaged or disengaged with ease. If, however, the clothes line is placed at a height beyond mans natural reach, in that event the ratchets may have as a complement to it a swiveling part so that it can be tied with a string or a length of cord or chain of any length and thereby by a pull of the cord it can engage or dis-engage the ratchet. There may be the need of two strings or cords for pull in either direction depending upon the structure and make of the ratchet design.

It is to be noted that by my singIe-Iine-clothes-line garments cannot become entangled due to wind and will operate notwithstanding that there may be wrapping around the line. Since the clothes-line is intended to make use ofits entire length between the two opposites, and since it is to be noted that for a singleline-clothes-line to be workable it must of necessity have sufficient lengths wound on each end to serve the free movement of the entire distance of space between the two ends. For that reason it is obvious that there must be at least one-half the length of the entire distance wound on each end.

Example, assuming the distance between the house and the pole in the yard is 100 feet, the reserve wound length on each end combined must of necessity be equal to the entire distance, namely at least fifty feet on each end must be reserve line. This would assure forward and backward movement with no difficulty. However, to be able to equalize the footage at both ends, it means that there must be some method to be able to know exactly when this situation prevails. This difficulty may be overcome in one of two ways; I) the entire length of line can be printed with measurements by feet or 2) by the simpler method of having the center of the entire length of line marked by some special insignia, painting or conspicuous color or an arrow. When that point reached by the center arrow of the line is visible to the operator when the line is being installed, and is wound up, one would know which and with certainty that there is then equal winding on both ends. Having achieved this the ratchets can then be engaged or disengaged for permanent use of the line.

From the above description of my single-lineclothes-line it is apparent that one object of the present invention is to provide a new and novel clothes hanger which will be easy to operate and inexpensive to manufacture.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a laundry line which will not utilize the standard clothes cord or cable but will instead provide a line formed ofa flat flexible ribbon-like material.

A further object ofthis invention is to provide means for winding and unwinding the clothes line, and a means for unlocking and locking the line prior to loading and after the line has been loaded with laundry.

A still additional object of the present invention is to provide cutout means in the flat ribbon line to help in hanging the laundry as already above described in detail.

Many other objects will be seen as this description of the invention will proceed. Referring to the figures:

FIG. I is a top cross-sectional view of the device taken on the line 1I of FIG. 3, showing the manner of winding the flat ribbon line;

FIG. 2 is a top elevational view of the device showing the embodiment of the present invention, indicating the manner oflocking the winding rollers;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view showing the punched-out holes and slots in the ribbon line in which the laundry may be secured to hang;

FIG. 4 is a top elevational view of a modification showing the manner in which the clothes line of the present invention may be used to hang laundry from the inside ofa window.

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, showing pertinent details of the clothes hanger;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation of FIG. 5, showing additional details;

FIG. 7 shows a detail of the device illustrated in FlGS.4 to 6 inclusive;

FIG. 8 is an additional modification. In this case the roller mounted to the pole in the yard may be provided with a coiled spring to take up the slack in the clothes line;

FIG. 9 is a further modification in which one single clothes line is used instead of two. This is a plan elevational view; and

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of FIG. 9, taken on the partial cross-section through one of the winding rollers.

This invention also consists in certain other features of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts, to be hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and especially pointed out in the appended claims.

In describing the invention in detail, references will be made to the accompanying drawings where like character numerals denote like or corresponding parts throughout the several views.

It is understood, however, that the present form of disclosure is merely for the purpose of illustration only, and that there might be various modifications thereof, without departing from the spirit of the invention as hereinafter set forth.

Referring now more particularly to the device 20, forming an embodiment of the present invention, best shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 inclusive, made in accordance with the present invention, it comprises, in combination, a U-shaped bracket 21 having a mounting section 22, an upper bracket extension 23 and the lower extension 24. The mounting section 22 by means of woodscrews (not shown) may be readily mounted to the window-sill 25, substantially as indicated in FIG. 1. A pair of vertical shafts or axles 26 and 27, respectively, may be mounted to rotate in holes or bearings drilled in the upper and the lower bracket extensions 23 and 24. Furthermore, a cylindrical roller 28 may be mounted onto the shaft or axle 26 with a similar roller 29 being mounted to the shaft 27. Both rollers may be pinned to their respective shafts. Either end 26a and 27a of the shafts 26 and 27 may be machined square to receive a pair of ratchet wheels 26b and 27b which have square holes and may be mounted over the shafts 26 and 27. From FIG. 2 it can be discerned that a pair of ratchet arms 26c and 27c may be provided to the upper bracket extension 23 and mounted to swing on pins. The ratchet arms are under the influence of coil springs. From the above arrangement of parts it becomes clear that as long as the ratchet arms 26c and 27c engage the ratchet wheels 26b and 27b the latter cannot rotate in more than one direction (indicated by the arrows A and B, when they are rotated by the handle H shown in FIG. 2 in dotted lines). The handle H is being utilized to wind the flat ribbon R. Handle H is not an integral part of the device. It is removable. On one end thereof the handle has a square opening which fits either one of the square extensions 26a and 27a (see FIG. 3). Accordingly, the rollers 26 and 27 may be only rotated in the direction shown by the arrows A and B and not otherwise as long asthe ratchet arms are in effeet. In both cases the rotation of the handle H will wind the flat ribbon line R onto the rollers 26 and 27 depending which one (the shafts 26 or 27) are being rotated by the handle H. However, to wind the flat ribbon R onto the roller 26, the roller 27 must be first released from the restraining influence of the respective ratchet arm 27c. This is made possible by pushing on the ratchet arm in the direction indicated by the arrow C (or the arrow D when the roller 27 is rotated by thchandle H).

The lower ends of the shafts 26 and 27 extend beyond the bracket extension 24 and may be fitted with a pair of pulleys or friction wheels 30 and 31, respectively. The wheels 30 and 31 rotate as the shafts 26 and 27 are being driven by the handle H. The lower bracket extension 24 may be provided with a lug 32 which supports a spring pin 33. A swinging arm 34 is shown mounted to swing or tohinge at 35. The arm 34 has a spring pin similar to the spring pin 33 which is mounted to the lug 32. A coil spring 37 is stretched between the pins 33 and 36. In addition the arm 34 has a pressure roller 38 which'is mounted to swing in unison with the arm 34.

The roller 38 may contact either one of the wheels or flat pulleys 30 or 3I (depending upon the position of the pressure arm 34). By means of the spring 37 pressure may be applied on the roller 38 substantially as shown in FIG. 1. However, in the event that the handle 34 is swung by the operator in the opposite direction (not shown) in that event the pressure by the roller 38 will be transfered to the opposite direction against the pulley 30 which is secured on the shaft 26. In such a manner either one of the shafts 26 or 27 operable by the device can be placed under the restraining influence of the roller 38 when winding or unwinding either one of the rollers 26 or 27, and substantially as above described.

FIGS. 4 to 7, inclusive, show a modification. In this case the clothes or laundry hanger 35aa is identical in design with the device 20 already described in FIGS. 1 to 3, as far as the clothes hanging means is concerned. In the device shown in FIGS. I to 3, the laundry may be loaded from the outside of the window-sill. Here the housewife has to lean over and out of the window to hang the laundry, an activity which is not very safe. However, for the sake of efficiency and safety the clothes hanger 350a may be loaded from the inside of the window-sill. Because in the modification all the parts of the clothes hanger mechanism are identical with the hanger 20, they will not be minutely described. It will suffice to describe in the modification the manner in which the device 35aa differs from the device 20 in other respects. The device shown in FIG. 4 may be provided with a lug or extension 32a and a swinging arm 34a. Both parts 320 and 34a are similar in design and construction to the lug 32 and the swinging are 34 already shown and described in FIGS. 1 and 2 inclusive. The lug 32a and swinging arm 34a serve similar purpose as already described in FIGS. 1 and 2, i.e., to support the spring 33a (not shown in FIG. 4).

Whereas the device shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 was mounted to the window-sill 25 by a U-shaped bracket 21, in the modification this bracket is somewhat different. The mounting bracket 36 in FIG. 4 has a base 37 which by means of the wood screws 38 may be mounted directly upon the window-sill 39. The bracket 36 is formed bent at an angle of about 45 degrees from the horizontal, and has an upper bracket extension 40 and a lower bracket extension 41'. A pair of flat mounting plates 42 and 43 by means of the elongated cylindrical spacers 44 and 45 form the elongated cage-like structure or frame 46. At one end thereof the frame 46 has a pair of bearings extensions 47 and 48 which by means ofthe vertical shaft 49 are hinged to the bracket 36 near the portion 50 in either one of the bracket extensions 40 and 41, inclusive. The opposite end of the frame 46 and more particularly at the end 51 it is provided with the roller mechanism which is similar in construction to the one already described for FIGS. 1 to 3, inclusive. Accordingly, all parts referred in this 'mechanism may carry like character numerals denoting like or corresponding parts already shown and described in FIGS. 1 to 3, above reffered to.

From FIG. 6 it can be discerned that the upper bracket extension 40, at the end 51, may be provided with a pair of hinge extensions or lugs 53 and 54. A hinging bracket 55 (see FIG. 7 in particular) by means of a hinge pin 56 may be mounted to hinge in the lugs 53 and 54 substantially as shown. The hinge pin 56 has a bent extension handle 57. The latter serves to hinge the hinge bracket 55 in an arc. The hinge bracket 55 holds an elongated shaft 58 which at its lower end has a stop 59. A roller 60 may be mounted to rotate free upon the shaft 58. It can be seen that the flat ribbon line R substantially contacts the roller 60. Normally when the line R is loaded with laundry from the inside of the window (see FIG. 4) the roller 60 by means of the handle 57 is swung out of the way of the line R so as not to interfere with the hanging of the laundry (see FIG. dotted lines). However, when the line R is fully loaded and just prior to the closing of the window, the housewife hinges the handle 57 and the roller is returned to its vertical position shown in FIG. 7. There could be provided a spring and a latch to lock the roller 60 in its inoperative position (not shown). With the roller 60 in the low position the housewife now can hinge the frame 46 outwardly, away from the window untill it reaches the position substantially shown in FIG. 5. In this position the folded device clears completely the window and the window can be closed. When the clothes have dried and the housewife is desirous removing them from the line R, the window is opened and the frame 46 is swung into the room and the roller 60 is raised. Now the housewife is ready to operate the winding rollers to wind the flat ribbon R in so as to remove the dry laundry, in safety.

Reference being made to the modification shown in FIG. 8, the vertical shaft 61 is here stationary while the roller 62 turns. There is provided a coil or helical spring 63 with one end thereof held at 64 onto the shaft 61, while at the opposite end 64a it is held fast to the roller 62, substantially as indicated. When the fiat ribbon line R is pulled the spring is wound to supply pressure and to pull tight on the line R so as to take up the slack. In this modification the line R need not return to its place of origin and need not be wound upon a secondary roller as the line R unwinds, this due to the fact that instead it is wound upon the roller 62.

Reference being made to the modification shown in FIGS. 9 and I0. specifically these views illustrate in general terms the utilization of one single-line clothesline, in place of the double-line clothes-line illustrated and described in FIGS. 1 to 8, inclusive. The single-line clothes-line is made possible through the utilization ofa very stiff and wrinkle-proof flat sheet of ribbon which may be formed of thin nickel steel hardened (to prevent rusting and folding) or it may be formed of thin reinforced plastic material. The ribbon 65 forming the present clothes line may be stretched between the combination spools 66 and 67, respectively. Both spools 66 and 67 may be formed substantially alike. By means of the mounting bracket 68 the spool 66 may be mounted to the window sill while its sister spool 67, by means of the bracket 69, may be mounted to the pole 70 in the yard.

Each combination spool 66 and 67 has a central core or an upright stud or axle 71 which by means of a riveted lower section is supported upright upon each of the brackets 68 and 70, respectively. Upon the upright central core or studs, serving as an axis around which turn the combination spools 66 and 67, may be superimposed two tubular members 72 and 73, respectively, one within another forming the combination. The tubular central member 72 may be fitted over the central upright stud 71 while the outer tubular member 73 is mounted to turn upon the inner tubular member 72.

One end of the inner tubular member 72 may extend above and beyond the outer member 73 and may carry a ratchet wheel 74. A ratchet arm 75 may be mounted to swivel upon a bracket or an extension 73a held upon the outer tubular member 73. The ratchet arm 75 has two extensions; one extension a is held to a chain or a cord 75b, while the other extension 76 is provided with a ratchet extension 76a. The latter is held to a length of chain or the cord 76b. The ratchet end 76a meshes with the teeth of the ratchet wheel 74, substantially as indicated in FIG. 9.

The swiveling sprocket-ratchet 75 when it is disengaged (by pulling on the chain length 76b) permits the ribbon 65 to be released so that the line can be centered. The flat ribbon 65 serving as the clothes line will at the time of manufacture be marked at its center by means of paint, or an indicated arrow R (or by some other means to identify the center of the line). When both ends of the single-line clothes-line are affixed to the window sill and t0 the pole in the yard, both ends are wound or unwound until the center ofthe ribbon 65 is visible by the above mentioned center mark. Whereupon it will become evident that the single-line clothes-line is approximately at the center of the span between the house and the pole in the yard. During this centering operation the sprocket-ratchet 75 and the toothed ratchet wheel 74 are both in a released nonoperative position.

When this centered position is reached then the ratchet arm extension 76a is engaged with the ratchet wheel 74. This operation is made possible by moving or swinging the ratchet 75 by means of the chain or the cord 76b. When the ratchet arm 75 and the ratchet wheel 74 are engaged the single-line ribbon 65 is made taut. At this point the single-line clothes-line become operable, for then the fiat ribbon 65 will rotate in either direction substantially as described.

The swiveling ratchet 75 which is affixed at the end of the outer tubular member 73 can be engaged and disengaged from the ratchet wheel 74 from the ground level. Both ends of the ratchet arm 75 can be engaged or disengaged by pulling one end or the other of the chain 75b or 76b. The chains 75b and 76b hang free substantially as shown in FIG. 9, and reach the ground level at a mans height. As a result of this single-line mechanism all of the features and advantages of a single-line clothes-line become apparent.

A careful examination ofthe foregoing description in conjunction with the invention as illustrated in the drawings, will enable the reader to obtain a clear understanding and impression of the alleged features of merit and novelty, sufficient to clarify the construction of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Minor changes in shape, size and materials, and rearrangement of parts, may be resorted to in actual practice, as long as no departure is made from the invention claimed.

What I claim as new and original is the following:

1. In a device of the class described for hanging laundry, comprising, in combination, a first supporting bracket mounted to a window-sill, said bracket having a pair of upright shafts with spools mounted thereon, a second bracket provided with one single spool, said second bracket mounted on a support remote from said window sill, a flat flexible ribbon line to facilitate hanging of laundry, said line having two free ends, said line having means upon its flat surface to receive and to hold a plurality of garments, means for winding one end of said line on one of the spools in said first supporting bracket, and means for taking up the other end of said line as it unwinds into the other spool in said first supporting bracket; ratchet wheel means mounted in each spool, and ratchet arm means engageable with said ratchet wheel means to lock said ratchet respectively of said mounted on said upright shaft spools, means for providing frictional engagement upon either one of said spools, said means including a spring biased swinging handle having an idler roller, the swinging of said spring-biased handle one way or the other placing the idler roller in contact with one or the other spool upon which either ends of the line are wound, the pressure exercized by said idler roller upon one or the other of said winding spools preventing said line from becoming slack.

2. In a device of the class described for hanging laundry, comprising, in combination, a first supporting bracket mounted to a window sill, a second bracket mounted on a support remote from said window sill, each bracket having a single upright shaft, a pair of superimposed cylindrical rollers or tubular members mounted upon said shaft, one tubular member in said pair mounted to rotate freely upon the other tubular member thus forming a combination of an outer tubular member mounted to rotate upon an inner tubular ratchet wheel which is mounted on each of said inner tubular members, a flat flexible ribbon line mounted spiral-wise upon each one of the outer tubular members, said line having means upon its first surface to receive and to hold a plurality of garments said ratchet arms being disengaged from said ratchets with the inner tubular members being rotated to help make the flat ribbon line taut, said ratchet arms re-engaging with the teeth of said ratchet wheel upon completion of the ribbon line being made taut.

3. The combination according to claim 2; including means to disengage said ratchet arm from said ratchet, said means comprising a pair of pull cords, one end of each cord mounted to one end of said ratchet arm, and the other end to the other end of the ratchet arm, said ratchet arm being swiveled upon said inner tubular member on a pin held to a bracket. 

1. In a device of the class described for hanging laundry, comprising, in combination, a first supporting bracket mounted to a window-sill, said bracket having a pair of upright shafts with spools mounted thereon, a second bracket provided with one single spool, said second bracket mounted on a support remote from said window sill, a flat flexible ribbon line to facilitate hanging of laundry, said line having two free ends, said line having means upon its flat surface to receive and to hold a plurality of garments, means for winding one end of said line on one of the spools in said first supporting bracket, and means for taking up the other end of said line as it unwinds into the other spool in said first supporting bracket; ratchet wheel means mounted in each spool, and ratchet arm means engageable with said ratchet wheel means to lock said ratchet respectively of said spools, mounted on said upright shaft means for providing frictional engagement upon either one of said spools, said means including a spring biased swinging handle having an idler roller, the swinging of said spring-biased handle one way or the other placing the idler roller in contact with one or the other spool upon which either ends of the line are wound, the pressure exercized by said idler roller upon one or the other of said winding spools preventing said line from becoming slack.
 2. In a device of the class described for hanging laundry, comprising, in combination, a first supporting bracket mounted to a window sill, a second bracket mounted on a support remote from said window sill, each bracket having a single upright shaft, a pair of superimposed cylindrical rollers or tubular members mounted upon said shaft, one tubular member in said pair mounted to rotate freely upon the other tubular member thus forming a combination of an outer tubular member mounted to rotate upon an inner tubular member, each of said inner tubular members on one end thereof having a ratchet wheel, while each of said outer tubular members on one end thereof having a ratchet arm, each ratchet arm mounted to swivel in an arc upon its respective outer tubular member, said ratchet arm normally meshing with the teeth of the ratchet wheel which is mounted on each of said inner tubular members, a flat flexible ribbon line mounted spiral-wise upon each one of the outer tubular members, said line having means upon its first surface to receive and to hold a plurality of garments said ratchet arms being disengaged from said ratchets with the inner tubular members being rotated to help make the flat ribbon line taut, said ratchet arms re-engaging with the teeth of said ratchet wheel upon completion of the ribbon line being made taut.
 3. The combination according to claim 2; including means to disengage said ratchet arm from said ratchet, said means comprising a pair of pull cords, one end of each cord mounted to one end of said ratchet arm, and the other end to the other end of the ratchet arm, said ratchet arm being swiveled upon said inner tubular member on a pin held to a bracket. 